2009 PC sales: record low predicted

Research firm Gartner has some fairly shocking predictions for 2009: according to them, global personal computer sales will fall at the sharpest rate they've ever recorded -- the previous was 3.2 percent in 2001.

The numbers dictate 257 million new PCs will ship this year, a decline of 11.9 percent compared to last. The drop-off in demand is expected to come from a lack of PC renewals, which have been responsible for approximately 80 percent of new sales in the West.

"The PC industry is facing extraordinary conditions as the global economy continues to weaken, users stretch PC lifetimes and PC suppliers grow increasingly cautious," commented Gartner research director George Shiffler. “Slowing GDP growth will generally weaken demand and slow new penetration, lengthening PC lifetimes will reduce replacements, and supplier caution will keep inventories low until confidence in a recovery eventually firms."